By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-01-24 04:38:12
Cecilia Ogwal, the late Dokolo Woman MP, had a significant impact on Ugandan politics for over four decades. At 77 years old, she was a respected and calm figure in the political arena, serving as a bridge between the government and the opposition in her later years. This was a far cry from her more fiery persona of two decades prior.
In a 2003 interview with Richard Kavuma, she fearlessly addressed Uganda’s troubled history, the state of politics in the country, and its future. She openly discussed accusations of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) mismanaging the country, criticizing the Movement government’s failure to protect the people from carnage and other negative forces.
Ogwal also discussed the Buganda question, advocating for federalism and equal treatment from the central government for all regions. She expressed her dismay at the Movement’s manipulation to reject the proposed nationalistic model of federalism, highlighting the fear of power centers by dictatorships and the ban on political parties.
Additionally, she addressed the atrocities in Luweero, holding President Museveni responsible for the violence that occurred there during the conflict with the UPC government. Finally, she voiced her opposition to Museveni’s quest for a third term, criticizing the Movement’s foundation and highlighting its lack of true democracy due to its origins in militarism.
Through this interview, Cecilia Ogwal revealed her deep understanding of Uganda’s political landscape and her unwavering commitment to championing the rights and interests of the people. Even in her later years, she remained a strong, vocal advocate for change and progress in the country. Her passing marked the end of an era in Ugandan politics, but her legacy as a formidable and forthright leader endures.
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